"How much has the Yankee?" demanded King.
"Three hundred pounds at least."
"That is something, but as he will travel with the government escort, weshould have to attack the whole party."
"Not necessarily. I have a plan that I think will work."
"Detail it."
Colson did so. What it was will appear in due time.
Meanwhile Obed and the two boys had started on their way to Melbourne.With a strong military escort they gave themselves up to joyfulanticipations of the bright future that opened before them. They nolonger entertained apprehensions of being waylaid, being secure in thestrength of their party.
They travelled by easy stages, and at night camped out. A sentry wasalways posted, who stood guard while the rest were asleep, for, unlikelyas an attack might be, it was deemed necessary to provide against it.
Often, however, after supper Obed and the two boys would take a walktogether, in order to talk over their plans without interruption fromothers. On the third evening they unwittingly walked a little furtherthan usual. Harry was the first to notice it.
"Hadn't we better return, Obed?" he said. "We must be a mile from thecamp."
"You are right," said Obed. "It would be rather unlucky to meet with thebushrangers, just as we are gettin' on so well."
"That's true; we mustn't run any risks."
They started to return, when Jack, stopping suddenly, said, "I thought Iheard a groan."
"So did I," said Harry.
They paused, and the groan was repeated. It appeared to come from acouple of rods to the left in the recesses of the forest.
"If there's any poor critter in pain we ought to help him," said Obed,"come along, boys!"
It was not difficult to discover the spot from which the groanproceeded. A man of middle age lay outstretched beneath a tree, with anexpression of pain on his face.
"What's the matter, my friend?" asked Obed, standing over him.
"The bushrangers have robbed and beaten me," said the prostrate manfeebly.
"You don't say so! How long since?"
"About an hour."
"Then they must be near by," said Harry.
"No; they went away as soon as they got my money."
Meanwhile Jack had been attentively examining the face of the allegedvictim. He quietly beckoned to Harry to move off to a little distance.
"Well, Jack, what is it?" asked Harry, somewhat surprised.
"That man is one of the bushrangers. I remember his face very well. Itis one of the gang that captured us."
Harry was naturally startled.
"Are you sure of this?" he asked.
"Yes, I know him as well as I do Obed."
"Then it is a plot. We must get away if we can. There is danger instaying here."
"You are right there, Harry."
"I will go up and take Obed's place while you call him away."
Harry advanced to the side of the victim, and said quietly, "Jack wishesto speak to you a moment, Obed. He thinks we can carry this gentlemanwith us, as he has lost all his money."
"Very well," said Obed, and walked to where Jack was standing.
Harry scrutinized the man's face, and he too recognized him as one ofthe gang--but his face did not betray his suspicions.
"Were you robbed of much money?" he asked in a sympathizing tone.
"I had the value of a hundred pounds with me," said the other feebly.
"I suppose you came from Bendigo like ourselves?"
"Yes; have you been lucky?"
"We had some luck, but we are tired of mining, and are going back toMelbourne. Would you like to have us take you along also?"
"Yes, if you would be so kind."
At this moment Obed's voice was heard.
"Come here, Harry; we'll make a litter to carry our friend there if heis unable to walk."
"All right, Obed."
There might have been something in Obed's voice that betrayed him. Atany rate, the victim, looking up, eyed him keenly, and then, to thesurprise of the boys, gave a sharp whistle. Their suspicions were atonce kindled, and they started to run, but too late. From the underbrushthere sprang out three bushrangers, accompanied by Colson and Ropes, whocovered the boys with their weapons.
"Halt there!" exclaimed Fletcher in a tone of authority.
"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Obed with apparent coolness, though hisheart sank within him.
"Yes, it's I, Mr. Stackpole," returned Fletcher, with a grim smile. "Ihope you're better fixed than when we met last. I hear you've found anugget."
"One of those gentlemen with you can give you information about that,"said Obed, indicating Colson.
Colson frowned and bit his lip.
"He has told us about it."
"Ask him for it, then. He broke into our tent the night we found it andcarried it off."
"Is this true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson suspiciously.
"No, it's a lie. The nugget is in charge of a mounted escort on the wayto Melbourne."
"What have you done with _your_ nugget, Colson?" asked Obed.
Colson did not reply.
"There's no time to waste here. Stackpole, you and the boys will have togo with us. Here, you two men, close behind them. We must not let themescape."
The party started with the captives in the middle. It was decidedly abad outlook for our three friends.
CHAPTER XXXII.
OBED IN A TIGHT PLACE.
It must be confessed that the reflections of Obed and the two boys werefar from pleasant. The cup of happiness had been dashed from their lipsjust as they had begun to taste it. Then again it was very mortifying towatch the exultation of Fletcher and Colson, who had finally triumphedover them after being successfully baffled.
"The worst of it is," said Obed to Harry, who was walking alongside ofhim, "that them skunks have got the best of it. It's their time to crownow."
"That's the way I feel," said Harry soberly. "I believe I would ratherhave lost twice as much to anybody else."
"We haven't lost all, that's a comfort. They will take the money we havewith us, but if ever we escape to Melbourne, there is the nugget moneywaiting for us."
Just then Colson stepped up with a smile on his face.
"It strikes me I've got about even with you, friend Stackpole," hesaid.
"Don't call me friend, Colson; I don't own any man as friend who actslike you. So you're a bushranger, are you?"
"Certainly not," answered Colson, amazed.
"It looks like it," remarked Obed significantly.
"I am merely in the company of the bushrangers just at present."
"Aiding and abetting them in their scheming. That's so, isn't it?"
"No."
"You haven't any interest in the plunder, then?"
Now, one of the bushrangers was within hearing, and Colson didn'tventure to say "No," or it would be virtually giving up his share of themoney taken from Obed and the boys.
"I don't care to answer any of your questions," he said stiffly.
"I don't wonder--not a mite, Colson. Still I'd like to ask one."
"What is it? I don't promise to answer it, though."
"Didn't you find that nugget rather heavy?" asked Obed slyly.
Colson didn't answer, but frowned, for the subject was a sore one.
"How many miles did you carry it, if I may be so bold?"
"I don't care to discuss the subject."
"I shouldn't if I were you. It makes me laugh when I think how you musthave looked when you found out it was nothing but common rock."
"How much does it weigh?" inquired Colson, in a tone of curiosity.
"Somewhere between fifty and five hundred pounds. Are you thinking ofattacking the guard? I wouldn't if I were you. They are prepared forgentlemen of your kind. You'd be more likely to carry off lead thangold."
"Confound the fellow!" thought Colson. "He looks as if he had the bestof me--I must worry him a little."
"Do
you know that you are in a very ticklish position?" he asked.
"I can't say it's a position I fancy much. Did you put our friends hereon the track?"
"Yes, I did," answered Colson in a tone of satisfaction.
"I thought so. That identifies you with them, Colson. You may find itused against you in a court of justice."
"I am no more a bushranger than you are," said Colson uneasily.
"I would respect you more if you was, Colson. They're open andaboveboard, anyway. You want to profit by the same means, but sneak outof it and say you're not a bushranger. It'll be hard to persuade thecourts of that."
"I have nothing to do with courts."
"You may have yet. Let me give you a piece of advice."
"What is it?" demanded Colson suspiciously.
"Join the band permanently. You're a man after Fletcher's own heart. Youand he will make a good match."
"Who is that mentioning my name?" asked Fletcher, who happened to bewithin hearing.
"I took that liberty, squire. I've been advisin' Colson here to joinyour band."
"What is that for?"
"I think it's a business that will suit him. His talents all lie in thatdirection. He'll be like a brother to you, Fletcher."
"What did he say?"
"He don't like the idea. He seems to feel above you. He says he is onlykeepin' company with you for a short time."
"Is that true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson with displeasure.
"I never said any such thing," said Colson eagerly. "He twists my words.I have the greatest respect for the bushrangers, whom I regard asgentlemen."
"Perhaps that is the reason you don't feel gratified to join them,Colson?"
Fletcher laughed at this palpable hit, but Colson looked annoyed.
"I don't expect to remain in this section of the country long," saidColson deprecatingly, for he was very much afraid of offending Fletcher."Of course I can't form any permanent ties."
"It might be better for you to leave, Colson. I've an idee that it isn'tgood for your health to stay around here very long. You haven't made ashinin' success so far. Now, as to that nugget which you stole----"
"Do you mean to insult me? I never took any nugget."
"That's so. You're right there, Colson. But you thought you had, all thesame. Fortunately, it's where you can't get at it."
"I have something to say on that point," said Fletcher. "I understandthe nugget is very valuable."
"I'm glad to hear it. You're a judge. I have an idee of that sortmyself."
"About how much does it weigh?"
"About seventy-five pounds. I don't mind gratifying your innocentcuriosity, Fletcher."
Fletcher's eyes sparkled.
"It must be very valuable," he said.
"I reckon it is."
"At what do you estimate it--twenty thousand dollars?"
"Not as much as that."
"It ought to come pretty near it, though."
Obed did not answer.
"It's a great prize. You were very lucky."
"So I thought at the time. I don't feel so certain, now," said Obeddryly.
"I think half of it will be enough for you."
"What do you mean, Fletcher?"
"I mean that we shall want half of it."
"How are you going to get it?"
"We mean to hold you prisoner till half the proceeds are brought in fromMelbourne."
Obed's countenance fell. He had not thought of this.
Colson's eyes glistened with pleasure. Till that lucky suggestion wasmade he saw no way of securing a share of the great prize.
"That's a nice scheme, Fletcher," said Obed, regaining his composure.
"So I think. You and the boys would still have a good sum of money. Whatdo you say? Shall we make a little friendly arrangement to that effect?You could give me an order for half the sum realized, and on my securingit you would be released."
"I shall have to talk it over with my partners here," returned Obed."They're equally interested with me."
"Better do so now."
"I won't till evenin', when we have more time."
Fletcher rode away under the impression that Obed was favorably disposedto his plan.
"When I get the money," he said to himself, "I can decide whether to letthe fellow go or not. I don't care for the boys, but I'd like to givethis Yankee a good flogging, he's so confoundedly sarcastic. Plague takeit, the fellow doesn't know when he's down, but talks as if he was onequal terms with me."
Meanwhile, though Fletcher did not know it, the train of bushrangers hadsteadily advanced to the neighborhood of the place where the governmentescort were encamped.
In fact, he was ignorant that they were so near. But Obed knew it, andhe was watching his opportunity to apprise his friends of his situation.Harry had noticed the same thing. Lest he should make a prematurerevelation, Obed placed his hand to his lips, as a sign of silence.Harry understood, and seemed indifferent, but his heart was beating fastwith excitement.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE TABLES ARE TURNED.
It was certainly an oversight in Fletcher not to have ascertained thesituation of the government encampment. He was under the impression thatit was in a direction opposite to that in which they were moving, andthis determined his course. He was therefore wholly unconscious ofdanger, and tranquil in mind, though his situation was critical.
Obed was puzzled to know in what manner to get the necessaryintelligence to his comrades. Chance gave him a suggestion. The man nexthim wore round his neck a whistle--designed doubtless to use in case ofemergencies. It was of rather peculiar shape.
"That's an odd whistle you've got there, my friend," he said, "where didyou get it?"
"In Melbourne," answered the fellow unsuspiciously.
"I think I've seen one like it in the States. Let me look at it aminute."
The bushranger allowed Obed to take it in his hand.
Suddenly Mr. Stackpole put it to his mouth, and gave a sharp, loudwhistle that awakened the echoes in the forest.
Like a flash Fletcher turned from his place at the head of the train andeyed the bushranger with a frown. Obed had dropped the whistle, and waswalking on with an innocent look.
"What is this foolery, Hogan?" demanded Fletcher sharply. "Don't youknow better than to whistle?"
"I didn't, lieutenant," answered Hogan. "It was this man here."
"The Yankee?"
"Yes."
"How did he get the whistle?"
"He asked to look at it."
"What does this mean, Stackpole?" asked Fletcher angrily.
"Don't get riled, squire," said Obed imperturbably. "I just wanted totry it, that's all. I had a whistle once a little like it. When I wasworkin' for old Deacon Plummer in New Hampshire----"
"Confound old Deacon Plummer!" retorted Fletcher impatiently. "Don't youknow I might have you shot for what you've done?"
"Shot for whistling! Well, that beats all I ever heard of. I say,squire, your laws are stricter than any I ever came across. I didn'tthink I was doin' any harm."
"I will overlook it this time, but if you take any such liberty again,I'll have you tied to a tree and whipped."
"That's better than bein' shot, anyway. I won't do it again, squire. Iaint particularly anxious to get into trouble."
"These Yankees are about as stupid and presuming as any people I evermet," Fletcher remarked to the comrade who rode beside him. "That fellowis a nuisance, but I mean to teach him a lesson before twenty-four hoursare over."
Obed and the two boys awaited with anxiety the result of the summons.The camp was but an eighth of a mile away, but hidden by the trees.
"Will they hear it?" thought Obed.
It is doubtful whether this would have been the case, but luckily forour three friends one of the escort--by name Warner--was taking a walkin the woods, and heard the whistle. His curiosity was excited, andpeering through the trees he saw the bushrangers and their captives.
<
br /> He was a man of promptness, and returning to the camp with allexpedition made a report to the officer in command.
"How many are there in the band?" inquired Captain Forbush.
Warner reported.
The captain immediately started, under Warner's guidance, with ten men,and arranged to intercept the bushrangers.
The first intimation Fletcher had of his danger was the suddenappearance of the government soldiers, who broke through the underbrushand took the astonished bushrangers in the flank.
"Surrender instantly, or you are dead men!" exclaimed Forbush sternly.
Fletcher fell back in dismay, and was at first speechless withconsternation.
"Do you surrender?" repeated the government officer impatiently.
Fletcher's eye ran over the party that confronted him. They outnumberedhis own forces two to one. He felt that resistance would be useless.
"We will release our captives if you let us go," he said.
"So you would make conditions? You are in no condition to do that. Wepropose to free your captives, and to take you to our camp."
"You had better not," said Fletcher, hoping to intimidate the officer."Our main band is close at hand, and they will avenge us."
"I'll take the risk," said Forbush indifferently. "Throw down yourarms!"